The 6 Best LED Face Masks That Brightened and Cleared Our Skin, Tested and Reviewed
By Bianca Kratky and Daley Quinn | Health and Beauty Editor at Instyle
On a long list of skin care trends, from anti-aging creams to clarifying face masks, light therapy masks are one of the more recent beauty trends that celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Sydney Sweeney, and Nicole Kidman swear by to achieve clear, glowing, and gorgeous-looking skin. Since celebrities are typically the first to gain access to the latest and greatest treatments, we often listen to their skin care secrets, but do LED light facials work? “Acne, brown spots, redness, and even fine lines can be targeted using light therapy,” explains board-certified dermatologist Suchismita Tia Paul, M.D. “The various colors of LED lights are associated with specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin at different depths and help with different skin concerns.”
Our editors tested 12 light therapy masks over the course of 12 weeks, evaluating each on ease of use, battery life, and final skin results, while also noting any additional features. Only the best LED face masks that showed real results are on this list.
Best Overall: Foreo UFO 2
Why We Love It: We can’t rave enough about the Foreo UFO 2 device. We could start by explaining how easy the little handheld device was to use, or how quick the entire process was—90 seconds!—or even that its wireless design meant we could use it in the bathroom. But what we really want to say is that in less than four weeks, our skin looked visibly radiant. We saw our fine lines soften, revealing a smoother and youthful visage. Our faces looked so glowy, in fact, that strangers began complimenting our skin. The device requires an activation mask to act as a base layer that helps the device glide over the skin, and it also provides additional skin care benefits. Then, the accompanying app offers preset treatments, or you can customize your own experience.
Who It’s For: The small handheld device works wonders in smoothing fine lines and adding radiance to the skin. Factor in its wireless design, and it’s perfect for the busy woman beginning to see the first few signs of aging. The quick sessions are ideal for people who can only commit to a few minutes per day.
Worth Noting: If you're looking to zap acne, you'll want to try a different LED face mask meant to address bacteria and inflammation.
Frequency: Once or twice a day for 90 seconds per session | Device: Handheld | Concerns: Wrinkles, dull skin, swelling
Best Budget: Solawave Bye Acne Pimple Spot Treatment
Why We Love It: To be fair, this device costs about as much as a fancy skin care product, but when you factor in how much more it can do for you, it’s really a steal. The tiny device is about the same size as a traditional cleansing brush, but instead of a bristled head, there’s an applicator that emits blue and red lights to target acne, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It doesn’t come with complicated user instructions, nor does it have any annoying wires or cords you need to swerve around. While we do think a larger handle would be easier to hold and get a firm grip, its slender size does make it very travel-friendly.
Who It’s For: This treatment is ideal for a person mainly concerned with acne or inflammation. We used this device three times a week, and each session lasted three minutes. We watched our complexion brighten, while the bumpy texture on our cheeks subsided.
Worth Noting: The surface area on the device is small, so you'll need to move it around to target multiple blemishes.
Frequency: Several times a week, up to daily, for 3 minutes per session | Device: Handheld | Concerns: Acne, textured skin
Best for Acne: Therashield 3-in-1 Light Therapy Mask
Why We Love It: The Therashield 3-in-1 Light Mask was truly designed to be a do-it-all device for the most common skin woes. Through testing, we learned why Kourtney Kardashian swears by this exact mask. Unlike other options, this one wears like sunglasses. It felt surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, so we didn’t mind wearing it for the full 20-minute session. We also found it to be very user-friendly—there’s only one button to turn on, off, and switch between lights. While undergoing the treatment, we never felt a tingling sensation or any kind of irritation on the skin or the eyes. After three weeks of consistent use, we noticed that our blemishes and little pimples disappeared quicker (within 24 hours, to be exact).
Who It’s For: Your main concern is acne, and not so much fine lines or dark spots. This device clears up pimples like its sole purpose depends on it.
Worth Noting: After 12 weeks, cystic acne, fine lines, and dark spots remained relatively unchanged.
Frequency: Daily for 15–30 minutes per session | Device: Mask | Concerns: Acne, wrinkles, inflammation
Best for Discoloration: NutriSkin Wrinkle Clearing Light Therapy Face and Neck Mask
Why We Love It: This NutriSkin Therapy Mask features 192 LED lights, which we eagerly strapped into (literally, there is a Velcro strap) for 20 minutes a day, three to five times a week. The number one result we saw was a brighter, even complexion. A lot of the redness surrounding our pimples also diminished. Perhaps the amount of time we dedicated to the device wasn’t enough to see any greater improvements, like changes in wrinkles, but we imagine this device would take you there with more time. The remote control made it easy to switch between the seven different color options.
Who It’s For: This device is truly for the committed: you have the bandwidth to carve out 20 minutes several times a week to lie down and dedicate yourself to a therapy session. It’s time-consuming, but the even complexion is well worth it.
Worth Noting: There was a thick cord attached to the mask that needed to be plugged in during use, which limited our mobility—we really just needed to lie down and be still. Although slightly tedious, it felt like a bit of a reward to unplug from the day (but not from your skin care) and take a moment for ourselves.
Frequency: Several times a week, up to daily, for 15–30 minutes per session | Device: Mask | Concerns: Blemishes, wrinkles
Best for Face: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask
Why We Love It: We saw immediate results following a single session with this HigherDose Mask—our skin had a newfound luminosity to it. After continuous use, we were impressed by how healthy, plump, and radiant our faces looked, without any unpleasant side effects, like dryness. In terms of our skin’s texture, it looked a lot less bumpy, and we even noticed that we were able to retain moisture slightly better. It helps that the full-face mask was very comfortable to wear, thanks to the three straps that attach to your head.
Who It’s For: This mask only emits red light, with the intention of rejuvenating the skin, leaving behind a healthy glow. It offers 10- and 20-minute treatments, and the device automatically shuts off upon completion, making it a great pick for multitasking skin care with laundry.
Worth Noting: While there is a cord attached to the mask, it doesn’t need to be plugged in during use, so we just tucked it into our robe pocket.
Frequency: 3–5 times a week for 10–20 minutes per session | Device: Mask | Concerns: Dull skin
Best Red Light: SolaWave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Why We Love It: This pencil-sized, cordless red light wand was probably the most intuitive and user-friendly option that we tried. The wand’s tip has a rectangular applicator (which can be rotated to treat hard-to-reach spots) that automatically turns on when it touches the skin. Despite its small size, it’s intended to be used all over the face. As for the results? “Red light stimulates collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles," says board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, M.D.
Who It’s For: This device is extremely relaxing (not unlike receiving a tiny hot massage). Because each session lasts about five minutes, it’s a great option for anyone strung up on time and looking for a treatment they can commit to that doesn’t feel daunting.
Worth Noting: Before we could get started, we needed to let it charge for two hours, and that single charge lasted an entire week.
Frequency: 3–5 times a week for 5 minutes per session | Device: Wand | Concerns: Wrinkles, puffiness, dark spots
Our Testing Process
In order to find the best LED face masks, a group of InStyle testers met at our New York City lab to begin by taking a "before" photo. Each tester was assigned a mask and used the product according to its instructions for one session. The testers then took home their assigned face masks and continued their usage for a minimum of three times per week across 12 weeks. With each session, they closely monitored how their skin began to change, including any signs of reduced redness, acne, or wrinkles. Their skin's brightness and textures were also observed. Of course, the ergonomics of the masks were also rated. After 12 weeks, each tester returned to the lab to take "after" photos and share any final thoughts.
LED Wavelengths
LED masks work by emitting different colored lights, each of which has a specific wavelength that penetrates the skin at different depths to address a range of skin concerns, Dr. Paul explains. Dr. Henry breaks down the exact wavelengths to look for in each color:
Blue Light (around 415 nm wavelength): Possesses antimicrobial properties and targets acne-causing bacteria.
Red Light (around 630—660 nm wavelength): Stimulates collagen production and promotes skin healing and rejuvenation.
Green Light (around 525—550 nm wavelength): Balances melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Yellow Light (around 580—590 nm wavelength): Stimulates circulation and red blood cells to reduce inflammation.
What to Keep in Mind
Your Skin Concern: Like we learned above, different LED lights target different concerns. To reduce fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Paul recommends looking for devices that feature red light. If you’re looking to control acne, look for devices that shine blue light to “target acne-causing bacteria and help with acne breakouts,” she explains. Blue light is also found in LED teeth whitening to make the bleaching agent work faster. Finally, light masks with yellow LED help with redness and inflammation, making it a great option for anyone with sensitive skin.
Ease of Use: If you know that patience isn’t your thing, opt for a quick and easy device that has short sessions. If you’re willing to invest a little more time into your LED mask experience, a longer treatment session or a corded mask will be no big deal for you. If you’re on the go, a small handheld device is an ideal, yet lightweight option you can take just about anywhere. Finally, there is the hands-free experience with devices that can sit comfortably on the nose, but allow you to move around.
Your Questions, Answered
What is LED light therapy?
“LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is a device that emits light in different colors. When used in light therapy masks, it’s a form of skin care that can be used for different purposes, such as for acne, brown spots, redness, or even to help with fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Paul. These noninvasive skin treatments are offered in many dermatologist offices, but now there are many at-home LED masks that are effective (although weaker than what you’d receive in a doctor’s office) as well.
Who should not use LED masks?
Anyone with an open wound or fresh tattoo should wait until those wounds are fully healed before starting light therapy. “There may be some skin conditions that could be exacerbated by the use of light therapy, so ask your dermatologist if it would be appropriate for you to use a home light therapy mask,” says Dustin Portella, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Boise, Idaho.
Dr. Henry adds that “there are a few instances when LED face masks may not be suitable, such as if you have a photosensitivity disorder, are taking medications that increase skin sensitivity to light, have an active rash or sunburn, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.”
Is LED light therapy safe?
“Most light therapy masks are safe for use at home,” says Dr. Portella. “Some of them will instruct you to protect your eyes, depending on the wavelength of light and the intensity of that light.” Most importantly, all of the dermatologists we spoke to agreed that following the directions provided by the manufacturer to the letter is crucial. And be sure to start slowly—overdoing it in hopes of speeding up the process is a one-way ticket to irritated skin.